Back to the Brickworks

I was almost recovered from Great Skate #4 when I went back to the Brickworks rink on Sunday, January 22. (My first visit the Brickworks skating rink was Great Skate #3.)

When you think about, recreational skating is an odd activity. People of all ages go around in circles, in a confined area, in the cold - and they have fun doing it. Sure, people run on tracks, but you don't often hear a lot of laughter and chatter when you pass a running track. There's a sense of play on a public skating rink, combined with a steady movement in one direction, that you don't find in other sports.

When I got there, friends Csilla and Barry were already on the ice with their two children. Their daughter,  age 7, is already an excellent skater - it was hard to keep up with her! Their son, who is not quite 4, is also very steady on his skates. This family is also very keen on skiing, which probably contributes to the children's skill and endurance. Csilla says part of the trick is to bolster the kids' energy with well-timed breaks for hot chocolate.

Later, Jen and Ian and their daughters arrived. These girls are just learning to skate this year, and are doing a great job. (Especially since they used to live in a much warmer climate and I'm sure they are still missing the beach.)

And later still, my sister Laurel showed up with Princess Spaghetti Legs and "three and a half". It was a big day for Princess Spaghetti Legs - she was brave enough to skate without holding on to anything or anybody. She probably needs a better nickname now. Meanwhile "three and a half" happily used one of the skating props that are available for free at the Brickworks. (Another reason why this is such a great rink for small children.)

The people who plan the music at the Brickworks rink deserve some praise. First there was a mix of songs by indie Canadian bands, then it got really bluesy, then it picked up with some jazzy salsa. Very nice!


More Great Skates

Great Skate #20: Hodgson Public School in Toronto

Great Skate #28: North Toronto Memorial Community Centre


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